Photos: @cajueirodapraia
Cajueiro da Praia is one of the municipalities that make up the Rota das Emoções, located in the state of Piauí. Its residents are called cajueirenses. The municipality covers an area of 271.7 km² and, according to the most recent census, has a population of 7,642 inhabitants. Bathed by the coastline of Piauí, it borders the municipalities of Luís Correia (PI), Chaval (CE), and Bom Princípio do Piauí. Cajueiro da Praia is located 35 km southeast of Luís Correia, 175 km from the village of Jericoacoara, and approximately 391.6 km from the state capital, Teresina. With its stunning natural beauty, it is ideal for nature lovers.
The name of the municipality is linked to a cashew tree that once stood on a coastal point and served as a landmark for those passing through the region. Today, another tree has become a major local highlight: the Cajueiro Rei, which spans 8,810 m² and is considered the largest cashew tree in the world. The municipality is also an important habitat for animals such as the West Indian Manatee (Peixe-Boi Marinho), seahorses, migratory birds, and various species of crustaceans and reptiles — all part of a thriving sustainable tourism scene.
Photos:@cajueirodapraia
How to Get There
By Plane:
The airports closest to Cajueiro da Praia are:
Parnaíba (PHB – 70 km) ; Jericoacoara (JJD – 182 km) ; Teresina (THE – 400 km); Fortaleza (FOR – 500 km)
The nearest airport is Parnaíba (PI), located about 70 km from Cajueiro da Praia. Azul Linhas Aéreas currently offers flight options to Parnaíba. From the airport, you can reach the municipality either by car transfer or bus.
By Car:
Driving is the most convenient option. There are three main routes.
From Teresina:
Take highways BR-343 and BR-402 for a total of 409 km, or choose a detour through Cocal to take state highway PI-309, covering 308 km until Cajueiro da Praia.
From Parnaíba:
Starting from Avenida Deputado Pinheiro Machado, go around the bus station roundabout and head toward BR-402. After passing the village of Camurupim (about 46 km), cross the bridge over the Camurupim River and turn left, continuing for 18 km until Avenida Gerardo Laura. At the entrance to the municipality, you will find a roundabout with a statue of Christ.
By Bus:
From Teresina, the company Expresso Guanabara offers direct routes to Cajueiro da Praia (check availability and schedule). From Parnaíba, transportation is available through Viação Damasceno, with buses running Monday through Saturday.
Schedules may change, so it is advisable to confirm by calling +55 (86) 3322-1683 (Agency: Fontenele, Rua Coronel José Macedo, 1162 – Centro).
Things to Do
Visiting the paradisiacal beaches of Cajueiro da Praia is essential, and you can also explore nearby villages such as Barra Grande, the most sought-after destination in the region, as well as the beautiful, lesser-known beaches of Barrinha, Morro Branco, and Ponta do Sardim.
For adventure seekers, the area offers sports such as Kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Popular activities include the Seahorse Tour, a visit to the Cajueiro Rei, learning about the Projeto Peixe Boi Marinho, and crossing by boat from Barra Grande to Macapá Beach, which provides deeper contact with the local biodiversity. And of course, you can enjoy the various restaurants in the region.
Text: Yonara Ferreira
Supervision: Janaína Araujo